We have now reached the final Board meeting of the 2025–2026 school year. It has been a busy and successful year, marked by many accomplishments from students and staff across our system. I conclude this year with a strong sense of pride in the hard work and dedication highlighted in each monthly edition of Inside Education, as well as the many achievements that take place beyond this report. While we would be pleased to recognize every success story, doing so would require far more time.
With that, the month of June has brought a remarkable number of achievements to celebrate.
Ontario Day
As of 2026, June 1 is formally recognized as Ontario Day. Observances took place in schools across the province, and the Ministry of Education released Kindergarten to Grade 12 guidelines for celebrating Ontario Day in schools. To mark this occasion, the Ontario flag was flown at the Administration Office for the entire day.
Pride Month
The Greater Essex County District School Board proudly flies the Pride flag at all of our school and work sites throughout the month of June. On the morning of June 1, we were joined by trustees, students, staff and community partners to raise the flag and celebrate. We were honoured to be joined by Run for Rocky and Transwellness Ontario, as well as student representatives from Kennedy who shared their meaningful perspectives and assisted in raising the flag.
Notably, Marlborough Public School has unveiled a new sidewalk leading to the entrance of the school. The sidewalk features five distinct panels representing the Intersex-Inclusive Pride Flag, Two-Spirit feathers, and Trans Awareness. This project was a student led initiative that was also made possible by staff, Run for Rocky and local 2SLGBTQIA+ activist, Stefanie Pest. Happy Pride Month!
Indigenous History Month
Indigenous History Month is a time to celebrate and reflect upon the history and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis, and to honour Indigenous knowledge, cultures and role models. It is also an opportunity to recognize their ongoing pursuit of justice and equity while acknowledging the strength and leadership of Indigenous communities in advancing equal rights for present and future generations.
Kennedy Legacy Artwork
The 2026 recipient of Kennedy’s Legacy Artwork honour is Hiyam Abdul-Zahra. On May 26, staff, along with Hiyam and her mother, attended an unveiling in the front office. Her painting, We Seek Higher Things, is a 4’ x 6’ water-based oil work that reflects over 100 hours of effort and demonstrates strong technical skill and attention to detail. The piece is now on display in the main office.
Duke of Edinburgh Award Ceremony
On June 18 we were honoured to visit Riverside Secondary School to witness over 35 students receiving their Duke of Edinburgh Award Bronze pins. Students who received pins were from the school's Physical Education Leadership Class and Environment Specialist High Skills Major program. Approximately 85 students from our board have received this prestigious award.
In a recent Ministry of Education announcement regarding new partnerships with The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Canada and The King’s Trust Canada, GECDSB students and staff were highlighted for their exemplary implementation and involvement in the program. Congratulations to all recipients on their hard work and dedication!
North Star Bursary Presentation
On June 9, we were proud to visit Glen Holden’s classroom at North Star High School to celebrate the achievements of Jeremy Grimaldi, Jacob Courtney, and Ethan Chartier as they received bursaries from CTMA, Integrity and Centreline, respectively. Their hard work and commitment to pursuing careers in the skilled trades are truly commendable. We congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition and wish them continued success as they embark on the next stage of their educational and career journeys.
Tianyu Lin Awarded $70,000 TD Scholarship
Former Student Trustee and Massey Grade 12 student, Tianyu Lin, has been named one of 20 recipients of the $70,000 TD Scholarship for Community Leadership. Tianyu’s selection was in large part due to his work on a Board-wide Mental Health Committee, which helped to establish in-school mental health groups affiliated with jack.org. Tianyu also founded Massey’s Research Club, was president of a DECA team for business and was a Student Council advisor. Congratulations to Tianyu on this incredible accomplishment on behalf of the entire Greater Essex County District School Board.
Scholarships and Bursaries Banquet
On June 4, the Greater Essex County District School Board recognized the 2025–2026 Scholarship and Bursary recipients, celebrating students alongside staff, families, and supporting donors and community partners. The event highlighted student achievement across the system, reflecting strong commitment to learning, leadership, and the support of their school communities. The Board extends sincere appreciation to all contributors for their continued investment in student success and post-secondary pathways. Congratulations to all recipients.
Project Search Graduation
On June 10, the Greater Essex County District School Board and St. Clair College gathered with the 2025–2026 Project SEARCH interns, their families, staff, and community partners to celebrate their graduation from the Project SEARCH program. This event was truly inspiring, with each intern standing in front of the entire room to share about their experience in the program as well as their hopes for the future. Witnessing the growth these students have had in just one year has been a privilege. They are a true testament to presuming confidence, building independence and believing in the potential for all students. Congratulations to the Project SEARCH interns and the staff and community partners who made this initiative possible.
Indigenous Graduation
On June 12 we gathered to celebrate this year’s Indigenous Graduation. Thank you to the students, staff, keynote speakers and musical contributors who make this a truly beautiful celebration to witness. Each year, the Blanket Ceremony is a moving element of the evening. Symbolizing hope for physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being, the blankets are wrapped around the graduate and will be their strength and protection as they begin their new journey after high school. This year, 12 graduating students received the Every Child Matters Scholarship, with recipients each receiving a $500 scholarship on behalf of the Greater Essex County District School Board. Congratulations to this year’s Indigenous graduates!
Congratulations to all GECDSB Graduates!
We would also like to extend our sincere congratulations to all graduates of the Greater Essex County District School Board. Senior Administration and Trustees have been pleased to attend graduations across Windsor-Essex County, celebrating this important milestone alongside students, families, and staff.
We would also like to recognize and congratulate all of our Grade 8 graduates and wish them all the best in secondary school.
Our graduates are accomplished, thoughtful, and inspiring individuals, well-prepared to take the next step in their journeys. We wish them continued success in all that lies ahead!
Retirement Celebration
On June 1 we gathered at Ciociaro Club to celebrate this year’s wonderful group of retirees. As I shared during the celebration, a school board is more than buildings and programs. It is a community shaped by the people within it. Each of these people has contributed to that community and helped build a legacy that will continue to support students and families across Windsor-Essex. Thank you to Chair of the Board Gale Hatfield, Trustee Cheryl Lovell, Jodi Nolin and Joseph Youssef for the words they shared. We extend our congratulations and gratitude to all those who closed their chapter with the Greater Essex County District School Board this year.
IBEW Local 773 - Champions for Education Award
This coming Thursday we will visit the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union Hall to present them with their Champions for Education Award. Through its outstanding partnership with the Greater Essex County District School Board, IBEW Local 773 has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to student success by providing authentic learning experiences, industry mentorship, and meaningful pathways to apprenticeships and skilled trades careers. We are grateful for their partnership and look forward to presenting them with this well-deserved recognition.
MPP Trevor Jones Visits Gore Hill Public School
As part of Take Your MPP to School Week, MPP Trevor Jones visited students at Gore Hill Public School. The visit was especially meaningful for MPP Jones, who is a proud Gore Hill alumnus. He shared that it was wonderful to return to his former school and see the strong sense of community that continues to thrive, while spending time with the students, teachers, and staff. Thank you to MPP Jones for taking the time to visit one of our schools and connect with our students!
Ontario Government Investing $5.1 Million to Build School Addition at Gosfield North Central School
On June 18, we were joined by MPP Anthony Leardi at Gosfield North Public School, where he announced that the Government of Ontario is investing $5.1 million for a new addition, which will create more student spaces and child care spaces in a growing community. This project will, when complete, deliver 55 elementary student spaces and 73 licensed child care spaces for local families. Thank you to the Government of Ontario for this investment and to MPP Leardi for joining us at the school.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Windsor-Essex Donation at Tecumseh Vista Academy
On May 28, we were honoured to join Big Brothers Big Sisters Windsor-Essex and Jaclyn Cordeiro at Tecumseh Vista Academy to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Go Girls! Go Squad program. As part of the celebration, Jaclyn presented a cheque for $40,800 to the program, funds raised through her Women Supporting Women Summit. It is always meaningful to bring together dedicated community leaders and changemakers, especially within one of our schools. Thank you to Becky Parent and Jaclyn Cordeiro for including us in this special celebration, and for their continued commitment to supporting and uplifting youth across Windsor-Essex.
Black Joy, Black Excellence Student Symposium
The third Black Joy Black Excellence Student Symposium brought together hundreds of students from across the Greater Essex County District School Board at St. Clair College to celebrate Black identity, history, culture, and achievement. Organized in collaboration with the Black Student Advisory Committee (BSAC), the event featured an inspiring keynote address from GECDSB educator Shantelle Browning-Morgan, student performances, interactive workshops, and breakout sessions focused on leadership, wellness, career pathways, financial literacy, and self-expression. The symposium highlighted the Board's ongoing commitment to fostering belonging, amplifying student voice, and strengthening partnerships with community organizations that support the success and well-being of Black students.
Miracle League Baseball
From May 19 to June 11, students from across our system once again participated in Miracle League Baseball. Students in GAINS and STEPS programs were paired with secondary student leaders for a day centered on teamwork, friendship, and fun.
These game days are always a pleasure to witness, and we are incredibly proud of both the participants and student leaders. We also extend our sincere thanks to the staff members whose planning and dedication make these meaningful experiences possible.
Facility Services Serves Breakfast
Our Facility Services Team recently visited breakfast programs at Queen Victoria Public School and James L. Dunn Public School. The visits provided an opportunity to better understand how these programs operate and to inform the design of breakfast program spaces in new and renovated schools. Team members also had the chance to prepare and serve breakfast to students as they arrived for the day. While the visits were intended to support future planning, the greatest takeaway was the opportunity to connect with students and experience the positive impact these programs have on their school day.
Cyber Hero Awards and CEW Feature
Each year our IT department runs a Phishing Awareness Campaign throughout the year. This campaign encourages staff to spot simulated phishing emails and report them. This year, 1,030 staff members were identified as “Cyber Heroes”, marking a 205% increase since the campaign’s inception. We are proud to promote a culture of cyber vigilance across our school board.
On June 5th, our outstanding IT department was highlighted by Connecting Windsor Essex for their substantial efforts toward keeping our students, staff and information safe online.
Photo Exhibition at Gibson Gallery
From May 25–29, student photography was on display at the Gibson Gallery in Amherstburg. The exhibition featured the first-, second-, and third-place winners from our annual Student Photography Contest, showcasing the incredible talent of students from across the Greater Essex County District School Board.
Each year, this exhibition highlights the creativity and artistic vision of our students, and this year's collection was especially moving. We were thrilled to have the opportunity to visit the gallery and experience these inspiring works in person.
Local 444 Donates 120 Bikes to Walkerville and Prince Edward
Unifor Local 444's Community Services Committee generously donated 120 refurbished bicycles to students at Walkerville Collegiate Institute and Prince Edward Public School. Committee members volunteer their time to repair and restore donated bicycles before distributing them to students. We are sincerely grateful to Unifor Local 444 for their generosity and ongoing commitment to supporting students and bringing joy to young people across Windsor-Essex.
Royal Prom - STEPS Style
On June 18, Riverside Secondary School proudly hosted “Royal Prom – STEPS Style,” a prom celebration created especially for students in STEPS classrooms across Windsor and Essex County. Dressed in their finest attire, students were warmly welcomed by staff and enjoyed a truly magical prom experience. This special event has become a cherished highlight each year, with the joy of the students evident throughout the celebration. Thank you to the dedicated staff and student volunteers who come together to make this meaningful experience possible.
Council for Exceptional Children Awards 2026
Excellence was on full display at the recent Council for Exceptional Children Awards, where several outstanding GECDSB students, staff, and community partners were recognized for their contributions. Congratulations to Project SEARCH interns Kyle Ireson, Darius Kovacevich, and Seth Wallace, Maliyah Rollins from W.F. Herman, educator award recipients Michelle Bondy and Michelle Landry, Community Partner Award recipient J.J. Carcelen of Oven 360 Tecumseh, and Chapter Award recipient Jennifer Newton. We are incredibly proud of each recipient and grateful for the positive impact they continue to make in our schools and community.
The Critical Thinking Consortium Award
Each spring, The Critical Thinking Consortium invites educators to nominate colleagues for their outstanding contributions to the educational community. This year, our very own Melissa Leboeuf has been awarded the Karen LaRone Hidden Hero Award. This award recognizes those who play a key role in creating and nurturing quality thinking environments while also inspiring others with their action and character, exemplifying integrity and selfless dedication and being an extraordinary role model. Melissa certainly displays all of these characteristics and more and is incredibly deserving of this recognition. She will receive her award at The Critical Thinking Consortium’s Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, June 24th. Please join me in congratulating Melissa on this well-earned achievement!
Significant Dates
Secondary exams are ongoing until June 25. Best of luck to all students who are in the midst of writing exams!
June 25th is the last day of school.
June 26th is an elementary and secondary P.A. Day.
The 2026-2027 School Year Calendars are on our website.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back on September 7th, 2026!